The Lions of Garreg Mach

Byleth stared at Claude, taking in his words. Where does my allegiance lie? Her gaze traveled between the three of them, her mind racing.

Claude, and the Leicester Alliance. Dimitri and the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. Edelgard and the Adrestian Empire. I hardly know these people. How will I ever decide? They gazed imploringly at her, each willing her to pick their side. Well, Jeralt wanted to go to the Kingdom. I'll do this for him, she thought, and blurted out the first thing that came to her head.

"Dimitri, I'll lend you my aid."

Dimitri blushed at her words, and gave her a quiet smile. "Understood. Faerghus is a noble and distinguished kingdom that has always valued chivalry." His voice was reassuring, and from the lack of Sothis' chirping in her ears, Byleth knew she had made the right choice. Still, she couldn't help but wonder what direction her life might take if she had chosen another path. if? However, she was not allowed to dwell on it much longer, and she was snapped out of her thoughts by Alois' loud voice, shouting at them to stop chatting and get moving.

"Looks like we'll have to pick this up another time. I'm not giving up without a fight," Claude reminded her with a grin, and they left the village in good spirits.

The warm afternoon sunlight filtered through the thick canopy of leaves, casting strange shadows dancing across the ground. Thick brush and wild grass surrounded the path they walked on, creating a whimsical feel to the forest. Jeralt and the Knights of Seiros walked in the front of the group, catching up with one another, and Byleth and the students strayed to the back. She had nothing to do except listen to their mindless chatter and wonder what the monastery would be like.

"This will be your first time at the monastery, right?" Dimitri's voice brought her from her thoughts. "I'd be happy to show you around."

"It really is Fodlan in a nutshell," Claude replied, laughing and tilting his head towards the sun, and Byleth looked at him curiously. "The good and the bad." What could that possibly mean?

"Like it or not, we'll be there soon enough," Edelgard said with her face forward, a neutral expression on her face. Byleth sighed, casting her eyes to the horizon.

The sunlight was blindingly bright as they entered the monastery, and Byleth sped up so she could be next to Jeralt. He was gazing upward at something, and murmured "Rhea's here." He spoke with such disgust and anger that Byleth was caught by surprise. Who is Rhea? She followed his gaze towards a small balcony high above them. A woman with pale green hair wearing an elaborate headdress stood watching as their entourage of knights entered the building, and Byleth could have sworn she heard Rhea's voice on the wind, saying something meant for only her ears to hear.

They entered the audience chamber. The large room was lined with flickering candles although it was still daytime. The floor was an intricate pattern of interlocking colored tiles, creating an illusion of glittering jewels.

"It's been years since I last set eyes on this place. To be forced to see her now…" Jeralt looked at the floor, his face angry once more. Byleth scanned the room, wondering what Jeralt meant.

"Her?" Byleth's voice echoed eerily in the large space, bouncing off the floor and up into the high ceiling above.

"You saw her in the courtyard earlier, didn't you? The archbishop… Lady Rhea." Again, Jeralt said the name with such disdain.

"Lady Rhea?"

"The majority of folks in Fodlan are devout followers of the teachings of Seiros. The leader of that ridiculously large religious organization is the archbishop, Lady Rhea." Jeralt opened his mouth to say something more, but was interrupted by the archbishop herself, accompanied by what must have been her advisor.

"Thank you for your patience, Jeralt. My name is Seteth. I am an advisor to the archbishop." The man had green hair as well, except his was much darker than Lady Rhea's. He spoke eloquently, nodding his respect to the both of them. His golden circlet caught the light and flashed, drawing attention to his green eyes.

"Right. Hello." Jeralt responded curtly.

"It has been a long time, Jeralt. I wonder… was it the will of the goddess that we have another chance meeting like this?" Rhea's voice was smooth like silk, flowing through the room. Byleth sensed no hostility from her, and it sent her into deeper confusion for why Jeralt was acting so strangely.

"Forgive my silence all these years. Much has happened since we last spoke." Last spoke? What…

Rhea's attention shifted from Jeralt to Byleth. Her gaze was filled with warmth, but even so, Byleth shifted uncomfortably. "So I see. The miracle of fatherhood has blessed you. That is your child, is it not?"

"Yes. Born many years after I left this place. I wish we could introduce you to the mother of my child… but I'm afraid we lost her due to illness." Byleth looked to her father to find his face cold, staring directly at Rhea. She had never known her mother, let alone speak to her, but she knew that whenever she was mentioned, Jeralt grew quite cold.

"I see. My condolences. As for you," she turned back to Byleth. "I heard of your valiant efforts from Alois. What is your name?"

"My name is Byleth." She tried to sound confident and not confused about the whole situation. To show proper respect, Byleth bowed, her hand resting on her heart. Lady Rhea smiled.

"A fine name indeed. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you both for saving those students of the Officers Academy." Jeralt sighed, looking away. His expression was one of disbelief, and he shook his head. Lady Rhea's eyes narrowed slightly. "Jeralt, you already know what it is I wish to say, do you not?"

"You want me to rejoin the Knights of Seiros, don't you." He sighed again, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Don't worry, I won't say no, but…"

"Your apprehension stings. I had expected that Alois would have already asked this of you. I must step away for now, but…" She paused. "I expect they will desire word from you soon. Please listen carefully to what they have to say. Until tomorrow, Jeralt… farewell."

They exited the audience chamber, and Jeralt's face was a mix of anger and bewilderment. "I can't believe it. Forced back into the Knights of Seiros," he said to himself, then turned to Byleth. "I'm sorry I dragged you into this. Looks like I'll be stuck here for quite a while… and I'm afraid that they've requested your services as well." Byleth looked at him in surprise. I'll have to work here?

"They want me to work as a mercenary?" she said, completely confused.

"Nothing like that. They want you to teach, by the sound of it."

"Teach?" Her jaw dropped.

"You heard those brats earlier talking about the Officer's Academy, right?" Jeralt began, and Byleth nodded. "Well, the academy just happens to be short a professor. Apparently that damned Alois went right up to Lady Rhea and recommended you. The nerve," he muttered, shaking his head. As if on cue, two people entered the audience chamber just as they were leaving. The woman with a short caramel-colored bob spoke first.

"Oh, you must be the new professor! My, how stern and handsome you are…" She gazed at Jeralt.

"Er… no. I'm not the one you're looking for." He turned from the professors and raised his eyebrows at Byleth. "Looks like you can take it from here. Good luck," he whispered, putting a hand on her shoulder as he left the chamber. At the last second, he turned around and whispered with a grave expression on his face. "Watch out for Lady Rhea. I don't know what she's thinking, making you a professor like this. She may be up to something. Stay on your guard." then he was gone. She may be up to something. What could that mean?

"Oh, so it's you, then… so young…" The woman spoke again, but this time with disdain as she looked down at Byleth.

"Competence and age are not necessarily correlated, Manuela." The man who accompanied Manuela turned to Byleth. "I am Hanneman, a Crest scholar and a professor here at the Officer's Academy." He reached out a hand to her, and she took it gingerly, shaking only slightly before drawing her hand back. He looked off into the distance, almost thoughtfully. "I wonder if you bear a Crest of your own. When next you have a moment to spare, I must insist that you pay me a visit so we can delve into the subject further." He smiled.

"I'm Manuela. I'm a professor, physician, songstress, and available. It's nice to meet you," she said with a wink.

"You're a physician?" Byleth said.

"I look too pretty for that line of work, do I?" She laughed and batted her eyelashes mockingly. "But yes, when I'm not teaching, I can be found in the infirmary. If you're ever lonely, please do come and pay me a visit, I would love to-"

"Spare our colleague of your needless chatter, Manuela," Hanneman stepped in, stopping Manuela in her tracks. He turned to Byleth again. "Now, it seems you'll be taking charge of one of the Academy's three houses. I expect you haven't been briefed on the nature of each, have you?" Byleth shook her head. A whole house to teach, she thought, so much work.

"The Black Eagles house is for students from the Adrestian Empire. Their house leader is Edelgard, the Imperial Princess, who is in line to be the next emperor." Before Manuela could finish, Byleth spoke up.

"Excuse me, did you say Imperial Princess? I thought she was… I spoke to her like she was a…" Byleth trailed off, embarrassed by her lack of respect.

"Most of the students at the Officer's academy are of noble birth, with one exception." Manuela clearly thought Byleth was incompetent.

"The Blue Lions house is for students from the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus. Their house leader this year is Prince Dimitri. He is to be the next king of Faerghus."

Byleth's jaw dropped. "Did you say prince? King?" All this time I was speaking to them as though they were simple commoners. He is to be the next king!

"Yes, yes. Lastly, there is the Golden Deer house, which is for students from the Leicester Alliance. Their house leader is Claude, grandson to Duke Riegan, the leader of the alliance." Byleth gaped. I clearly am incompetent. I failed to notice the presence of nobility.

"It is quite a bit to take in. I suggest taking a stroll around the monastery to meet all the other students. Also, please feel free to stop by my research laboratory. I'd love to have a chat about Crests with you," Hanneman said. Byleth nodded her thanks, and left the audience chamber with a heavy weight on her shoulders.

The book was on battle tactics, but Byleth flicked through the pages, trying to find something she did not know already. Once she realized it was a lost cause, she closed the book and stood up. She stood in the middle of the reception hall, unsure of where to go. I should talk to Rhea for more instructions, she thought, but her father's words rang in her head. She may be up to something. Be on your guard. She shook her head. Of course, I will heed his words. But first, I need to make my own opinion about her. She strode into the cathedral and saw that Rhea waited for her and the end of the room. The light from the stained glass window behind her lit up the woman, giving her an ethereal glow. A small smile graced her beautiful face, causing her eyes to light up like the sun itself.

"Hello Byleth, how are you? I hope your accommodations are up to par," Rhea spoke, her voice echoing. Byleth stepped towards her.

"Of course, archbishop."

"Please, call me Lady Rhea. No need for formalities. I assume you are well aware of your teaching position here at the Officers Academy, correct? I would like you to speak to the three house leaders. You should also take a look around the academy so as to acquaint yourself with your new home." Home, Byleth thought. I haven't had a home since… Well, since forever. She and Jeralt had moved around all her life, changing camps and villages like the trees changed color every season. But now I'm finally here. And here I'll stay.

Byleth left the cathedral, following Lady Rhea's advice. Or was it an order? She thought. Briskly walking through the Reception Hall, she spotted Edelgard sitting alone by the line of tables. She was scribbling something down in a journal but quickly shut it when Byleth approached.

"Hello, Byleth. Professor Manuela told me you have accepted a teaching position here. Pity. I was hoping you'd lend your strength to the Empire." She stood from the table and extended her hand. "I never properly introduced myself, did I? My name is Edelgard Von Hresvelg, the princess and heir apparent of the Adrestian Empire. I wonder if you'll be tasked with leading the Black Eagles…" She trailed off, obvious hope in her eyes.

"I apologize, but I must be moving on. The arch- ahem, Lady Rhea has tasked me with meeting with the other house leaders. I hope you'll understand," Byleth said cautiously. This girl seemed capable of too much for her own good.

"Of course, of course. I understand." Edelgard shooed her away with a brief wave of her hand, and Byleth felt slightly miffed. She brushed past the princess and made her way to the courtyard where Claude stood. He waved Byleth over, a large grin on his face.

"Byleth! Over here! Scored a teaching gig here, did ya? Talk about a great first impression." He laughed at his own joke, but Byleth merely watched him cautiously. "Okay, I get it. Not that funny. Anyways, I guess that means I'd better introduce myself properly. My full name is Claude Von Riegan, from the ruling house of the Leicester Alliance, but don't worry yourself with all that madness." he sighed. "I'm guessing you don't know which house you'll be teaching yet, do you? I bet you'd like ours. We're not as… difficult as the other two."

"What do you mean?" Byleth said.

"Well, let's just say that Edelgard's class isn't exactly… well… how should I put it… organized. And Dimitri's is a whole other matter entirely." He laughed again. "I guess you'd better go talk to Dimitri. I'll leave you to it." With a quick wave, Claude disappeared into the Golden Deer's classroom. Only Dimitri left, she thought as she walked quickly towards him. He was on the other side of the courtyard outside the classrooms, and he was talking with several other students. They all took one look at Byleth's determination, however, and left with nothing but a quick goodbye to Dimitri.

"Byleth! To what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked, blushing slightly. "I hope you'll accept my apology for the other day. You came to our aid, yet I hadn't even the courtesy to properly introduce myself. I am Dimitri Alexandre Blaiddyd, crown prince of the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus." He blushed again. "Of course, at the academy, I am simply a student. Oh, I heard word that you were to be a professor here. Delightful! I still have much to earn, but I'm confident I would benefit greatly from your guidance. In any case, welcome to the monastery."

"Thank you." Byleth nodded to him, pondering his words, and returned to the cathedral, taking her time as she made her way through the monastery.

Rhea thanked Byleth when she returned, and Seteth spoke up.

"I suppose it is time for you to take charge of one of our three houses of students. I must note that I am personally against entrusting someone as lacking in trackable history as yourself with such a task, but it is as the archbishop desires." Byleth's eyes narrowed. But I suppose I am lacking in trackable history, she thought begrudgingly.

"Since you are new here, we have decided to allow you the first pick. Manuela and I will take charge of the remaining two houses." Hanneman gave Byleth a smile, and she nodded thanks. Which house should I choose? Claude, with his carefree nature and easygoing smile. Dimitri, with his respectful gestures and charming demeanor. Edelgard, with her confident mannerisms and intimidating presence. Both professors, Seteth, and Rhea all stared at her, waiting for her to decide. Decide. Decide. Byleth, you must decide!

"Blue Lions," she blurted. "I will teach the Blue Lion house."